Design applies to a wide range of things and ideas, from the massive to the miniscule, from the physical to the intangible: systems, structures, messages, objects and environments among them. That is a lot for any one design studio to chew on, which is why many branch out into their specialties. But local studio Cause+Affect elects not to specialize in any one aspect of architecture, communication design, web design, or event planning. Instead, the studio applies a holistic solution to clients’ design dilemmas, by working across all of the aforementioned mediums. As principal Jane Cox says, “There has to be continuity across all parts. If one thing is off, it will deter from the overall experience. It’s like a dimly lit restaurant without candlelight; you just don’t see a glow on people’s faces.”
Prioritizing experiences over aesthetics, Cause+Affect focus their efforts on “corporate branding, cultural projects and placemaking”. As Steven Cox, Jane’s partner, explains, Cause+Affect is all about “real places, in real time, for real people”. They have worked with the Vancouver Art Gallery to create “Fuse”, the GLOBE Foundation to create “EPIC The Sustainable Living Expo”, and the Vancouver Museum to create the “Movers and Shapers” design exhibition. They are also the hosts of Vancouver’s beloved “Pecha Kucha” nights, a unique and intriguing social networking event.
Jane and Steven Cox’s projects not only satisfy their clients’ communication needs, but also fulfill a cultural need in our city for places that encourage an open exchange of ideas. As Steven Cox says, “We don’t create cultural events with social significance. We create social events with a cultural significance.”